I suppose the most interesting thing about albums 16-20 is that there are two records that feature Ian's. I hadn't intended that, but sometimes things just work out that way. Apart from that, there are no similarities between these artists whatsoever. There's a prog band, an eccentric genius, some studio perfectionists, an American rock band that I generally dislike, and one of my favorite singers. Let the countdown continue.
20. JETHRO TULL - Minstrel in the Gallery ( 4.0 Stars )
The first Ian has been revealed. Yes, rock flautist Ian Anderson's band Jethro Tull comes in at #20. Jethro Tull are mostly a singles band for me. I inherited many of their albums a couple years ago and only kept Aqualung. This album was not among them. I enjoyed Minstrel quite a bit during this dive, despite the lack of "hits". Guitarist Martin Barre really stands out on this release. Anderson's vocals are powerful and he stands unchallenged as rock's master of the flute. I really didn't expect this to make the list, but it turned out to be a pleasant listen. I don't think I could ever make it through a whole Jethro Tull deep dive, though.
19. IAN HUNTER - S/T ( 4.0 Stars )
And the second Ian has now been revealed. Ian Hunter is my fifth favorite vocalist. He's a singular storyteller and his style is brashly over the top. One thing I've noticed during this dive is that many studio versions of classic songs pale in comparison to the live versions. "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" is one of those. It's still a fantastic track, but I prefer it live. This record also features Mick Ronson on guitar, who steals the show on the track, "The Truth, the Whole Truth, Nuthin' But the Truth". When I listen to Ian Hunter, I feel like I'm listening to someone who's living their best life...no apologies.
18. AEROSMITH - Toys in the Attic ( 4.0 Stars )
I don't really like Aerosmith, but I'm not a monster. Toys in the Attic is a certified classic album. If I was being objective, it's probably a 4.5 or 5 star record. When I was in college, we played the hell out of this, but it doesn't hold quite the same charm for 2025 me. I've heard "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion" a million times too many. Some of the deep cuts, like "Uncle Salty", "Adam's Apple" and "No More, No More", still hold up quite nicely. And who doesn't love the ham handed double entendre of "Big Ten Inch Record". Too bad Aerosmith had that career revival in the late 80's and early 90's. That shit sucked. Oops, I guess I am a monster.
17. FRANK ZAPPA - One Size Fits All ( 4.0 Stars )
Somehow, Zappa keeps making it on my lists even though I'm not a huge fan. One Size Fits All is just that. It's a fairly normal record by Zappa standards. It features the opening track, "Inca Roads", which may be his most impressive composition in a vast catalog. Frank's guitar playing on this album is incendiary, particularly on a song like "Po-Jama People". I've enjoyed these Zappa albums in the context of yearly deep dives, but I don't think I could make it through all his albums in one go.
16. STEELY DAN - Katy Lied ( 4.0 Stars )
I love Steely Dan. They're such an unusual "band". Fagen and Becker had a singular musical vision and hired the hottest session players, Wrecking Crew style, to bring that vision to life. Seriously, the playing credits on Katy Lied are incredible. Jeff Porcaro and David Paich of Toto, Michael McDonald on backing vocals, Chuck Rainey on bass, Phil Woods on sax, and Larry Carlton and Ric Derringer on guitar, just to name a few. The album features all-timers like, "Black Friday", "Bad Sneakers", and "Doctor Wu". I would probably have it rated higher, but it does tail off quite a bit on Side Two. Still, it's pretty, pretty good. Peace.
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